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10 Products to Buy in Bulk
One way to beat inflation is to stock up on items with long shelf lives — before prices go up
Paul Spella (Getty 2)
Bulk buying isn’t just for canned goods and toilet paper. Tinfoil, cleaning supplies and toiletries also have a long shelf life. And with inflation ticking up and growing concerns over the impact of tariffs on consumer prices, loading up on certain household staples can help you stretch your budget.
Still, buying in bulk is a commitment. Before you make a purchase, ask yourself: Will I use it? How long does it last? And do I have room to store it? The third question is key, says Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst at DealNews. “Buying in bulk, in general, can make a lot of sense,” she says, “but cluttering up your home doesn’t.”
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So, what should you consider buying in large quantities? Here are 10 long-lasting products that are often worth purchasing in bulk.
1. Trash bags
Shelf life: no expiration
This household good won’t go stale — plastic bags (sadly) don’t readily decompose. If you have the space, it’s worth stockpiling, says Ramhold. “Some families wait for certain brands to go on sale at the local grocery store and stock up; others just go to Costco and pick up trash bags” in bulk, she says.
2. Ziplock plastic bags
Shelf life: no expiration
Ziplock bags are handy for all sorts of storage needs — snacks, sandwiches, craft supplies and more. So there’s no reason to not stock up, Ramhold says. To eke out savings, consider cleaning and reusing ziplock bags.
3. Tinfoil, plastic wrap and parchment paper
Shelf life: no expiration
If you have storage space, these products are worth stocking up on. They don’t expire, and if you love to cook or bake, they’re essential to have in your kitchen.
4. Toothpaste
Shelf life: two years
Toothpaste can be an ideal buy-in-bulk product because we use it daily. But don’t overshop — generally, toothpaste has only a two-year shelf life. After that, some ingredients begin to lose their effectiveness.
5. Shampoo and conditioner
Shelf life: one to three years
Technically, shampoo and conditioner don’t expire, but many manufacturers list a “period after opening” date on the back of the bottle. Look for an open-can symbol with a number and the letter M beneath it — that will tell you the recommended time of use after the bottle has been opened. For example, Garnier shampoo has a shelf life of 12 months, Pantene shampoo is best to use within 36 months and Maui Moisture conditioner is best when used within 18 months, according to the brands.
6. Underwear, undershirts and socks
Shelf life: no expiration
“Things like tank tops, undershirts and basics that you need to wear under something are good bulk purchases,” says Ramhold. The savings can be substantial: For example, a six-pack of boxer briefs typically costs significantly less than if you were to buy six boxer briefs individually. The same pricing advantage applies to other undergarments and socks sold in bulk.
7. Bar soap
Shelf life: two to three years
You won’t find an expiration date on a bar of soap’s packaging, but most tend to have a shelf life of two to three years. (Natural bar soaps typically have a shorter shelf life because they don’t contain artificial preservatives.) Likewise, body wash and shower gels generally last two to three years after opening.
8. Cleaning supplies
Shelf life: six months to two years
Cleaning products tend to lose efficacy the longer they sit in storage, but how quickly depends on the product. For instance, bleach generally lasts only six months after the container is opened, while most multisurface cleaners last up to two years. Liquid laundry detergent will remain effective six to nine months after opening, while hand sanitizer can last two to three years.
9. Batteries
Shelf life: 10 to 20 years
Bulk-buying batteries can save you money and come in handy when emergencies strike. After all, nobody wants to be left in the dark during a blackout or a storm because the flashlight batteries are dead. Batteries have a really long shelf life — up to 10 years for most regular batteries and up to 20 years for most lithium batteries when stored in cool, dry conditions. Two exceptions: 9-volt batteries last up to five years, and rechargeable batteries typically last up to one year.
10. HVAC filters
Shelf life: no expiration
When forced-air heating, ventilating and cooling (HVAC) system filters get dirty, it’s bad for your health and your wallet. That’s because dirty filters can negatively affect your indoor air quality and force your HVAC system to work harder, raising your energy bills. Most air filters should be replaced every three to 12 months, depending on the size and thickness of the filter and whether your home has a pet. Buying filters in bulk, especially if your home has more than one heating and air conditioning system, means you’ll never be empty-handed when you need a clean one. Plus, multipacks are often sold at a discount.
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